coverage VSAT satellite communications specialist KVH Industries has announced a major upgrade to its mini-VSAT Broadband network and the introduction of the new single-antenna, dual-band TracPhone V11. UK maritime electronics distributor C A Clase is

to debut the network upgrade and the TracPhone V11 at Oceanology International 2012 in March at London’s ExCel. The mini-VSAT Broadband network has seen the

addition of global C-band satellite coverage, overlaying the network’s existing Ku-band footprint. Te upgraded network service will mean that speeds of up to 4Mbps can be attained with Ku-band and up to 1Mbps on C-band. Te addition of C-band provides coverage for around

95% of the Earth’s surface, encompassing all major shipping routes, offshore oil fields and commercial fishing grounds. KVH’s new TracPhone V11 has a unique dual-band

transmit and receive capability, able to switch seamlessly between C-band and Ku-Band. With a weight of approximately 90kg and a single 1m antenna, the system is reported to be 85% smaller and lighter than other solutions currently available on the market. Andy Banting, commercial marine sales manager

at C A Clase tells Ship &#38; Boat International that most C-band VSAT antennas use technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA). Tis requires the use of larger antennas to overcome adjacent satellite interference. KVH’s ViaSat Arclight spread spectrum technology transmits at significantly lower power spectral density, “making adjacent satellite interference less of an issue with small antennas. KVH has found the performance of their 1m antenna using the spread spectrum technology to be similar to that of a 2.5m antenna using TDMA technology,” said Banting. According to Banting, while pricing for the equipment is still to be confirmed it is likely to be less

The Ku-band footprint of KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband network is significantly enhanced by the overlay of C-band global satellite coverage.

than the current pricing for the 2.2m – 3m C-band antennas. “Te airtime costs are yet to be confirmed but C-band is normally far more expensive than Ku-band. Te savings will be made when the vessel is in Ku-band coverage as the antenna will only switch to C-band when the vessel is out of the Ku coverage or when there is blockage to the Ku satellite,” he comments. He further notes that the use of a smaller antenna would

also see lower costs for newbuilds currently required to build large structures for the use of large C-band antennas, which can cost tens of thousands of US dollars. With a 1m antenna these costs will be considerably less, he says. www.caclase.co.ukwww.kvh.com

Surveillance systems Kelvin Hughes debuts

SharpEye SCV radar Using its SharpEye radar technology as a platform, Kelvin Hughes has designed the SharpEye small craſt variant (SCV) radar surveillance system. Te company introduced the new small craſt variant to the Asia Pacific region during Pacific 2012. SharpEye SCV is a low-power, 50W radome solution

designed for small craſt up of to 35m in length operating in blue-water, littoral and riverine environments. It is designed for easy installation on radar arches and masts. Te new system incorporates I (X-)-band solid-state

technology taken from SharpEye, possessing a fully coherent solid-state transceiver all encased within a lightweight, environmentally sealed unit designed for harsh environments. Te compact unit weighs 10kg, has a 24inch rotating

array antenna; and includes an integrated transceiver with a range of up to 48nm. Te inclusion of Doppler processing enables the SharpEye SCV to detect very small and slow targets even in harsh weather conditions, irrespective of the time of day. Kelvin Hughes has designed the SCV radar to be used

footprint of the SharpEye transceiver enables the SharpEye SCV to overcome the inherent performance limitations of commercial type navigation radars in cluttered environments. According to Kelvin Hughes, the SharpEye SCV’s

display system can be tailored to client requirements; compact display options are available for smaller craſt with MantaDigital, legacy third party tactical and commercial off the shelf (COTS) third party marine display systems. www.kelvinhughes.com